U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast

[My wife said no FJ!]

Yup...got my attention as well. May just get a rag top for now, as I am having trouble finding a fiberglass cap for my '64 top...like to run both actually.

My '64 is a stock restoration, so I would like it to look as original as possible.

Thanks for making the effort...let me know your estimated time line.

 

[JohnnyC]

here is an example of a riveted window on an fj43.

i am assuming that the window is also a hard plastic or glass....as this was the method to attach that type of window.

ohhh and cool fold-up rear seats

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Love those seats!!!

 

[highlandcruzer]

Johnny..........you are , the soft top guru . Wow.



I noticed a slightly different configuration [for me]..myself the other day.....one large and one small window

 

[JohnnyC]

I noticed a slightly different configuration [for me]..myself the other day.....one large and one small window
View attachment 212317

that is a kayline replacement for the oem top...the small window and then larger window is so the roll bar doesnt rub against the plastic window....rear window was only one large window.

 

[highlandcruzer]

that is a kayline replacement for the oem top...the small window and then larger window is so the roll bar doesnt rub against the plastic window....rear window was only one large window.

Huh....That makes sense.

 

[maineidyl]

Soft Top Interest

If you are looking into the demand side of this, put me in for one. I would love to buy a top locally. Ehsan's tops look great. Its just the logistics of shipping that kill the deal for me. If you build it, they will come.
Thanks for looking into this.

Tom
74 FJ40

 

[T.U.F.F.]

You can put me in line for one if the price is decent.

I will be watching this thread intently

 

[MDH33]

...I've been emailed some info stating that , There is approximately a one inch difference pre/post '74........That would primarily be a concern for using hard doors . .

No difference. the only thing that needs to be addressed when running pre-74 doors on a later 40 is the striker.

 

[grant5127]

that is a kayline replacement for the oem top...the small window and then larger window is so the roll bar doesnt rub against the plastic window....rear window was only one large window.

X2.. here's another example... I like the tinted windows......

 

[67azcruizr]

seen them before, and I must comment, those snaps just don't look right

 

[cwatts]

Add me to your list of potential customers.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Just a little update

We had a little speed bump acquiring the bows , but should have them this week. We have 82cruiser's original fabric to use as a template , and our plan is to install the bows on a '74 , original factory soft top FJ40 this weekend .

So , if all goes according to plan , softtopguy will start making the first fabric top this weekend !

We've been discussing material/hardware options .

I'm really exited about what Travis is showing me , material-wise.

It looks to me , that it will be better quality than anything currently available. [ Fabric that is durable , long lasting , completely waterproof , low shrinkage/stretch , with several color options, and user-friendly/low to no maintenance.]

There are a few options for hardware , as well. i.e. SS , heavy duty vinyl zippers etc.

Our goal is still to produce a factory style top, with factory appearance, that fits factory bows , but primarily with much better modern materials. There should certainly be options to suit the buyer , and a price range for such various options.

I am somewhat of a purist , and want to keep the option for OEM materials myself.

A ,close to OEM, fabric is available , and I've been hounding Travis about it. ..........

Travis has even spoken to the manufacturers about what is available [water proofing ,mildew resistant , fire retardant etc.]......

But.....even they state that it is a poor choice for soft top applications. It's just not well suited to much exposure to the elements. Basically good for fold up chairs and what not.

35 years ago that's about all there was.

We want to make something that will last as long as your Land cruiser. .....and also work as well , at it's intended purpose.

I know what your about to ask........We haven't gotten to pricing yet.

I'm still very confident that we can make something affordable , as a premium product. [not unlike our Land cruisers ]

Again that is our primary goal. If you still want cheap , we can make cheap , as an option,......... or you can get cheap.......it's up to you.


Again we're currently discussing design and material options . Any recommendations will certainly be appreciated and considered .

Post up ! .....or PM/email me.

Of course we're looking forward to some honest user feedback on the first ones made......and we can make changes later if that's needed.



I'll be driving down to North Carolina this weekend to lend a hand in getting this started.

Travis and I will be attending the ONSC's meeting and swap meet too. Look forward to seeing some of you there !

P.S. The words " we" and "us" are used somewhat loosely here , as I am often speaking in Travis' behalf. I will not be producing these tops , nor will I profit from them.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Fwew ! That was long-winded , sorry.

 

[Tool Pusher]

highlandcruzr,
I am waiting until you go into production and have an idea of options and prices, but I have been wanting to get a set of soft top bows and a soft top for a while now.

David Sword

 

[maineidyl]

Keep it going

Thanks for the update, I am so psyched to see this get going. I missed out on the last group buy and thought that I was screwed. I am definitely interested.
Need to find out what I will need for a 74 FJ40 with 78 front doors. But I can work on that when the tops are ready. Thanks again for the effort.
Tom
74 FJ40
96 LX450

 

[Kent]

I would like to see something like a Can-Back. No windows and roll up sides. Maybe this would be another option for us summer users that want some shade for the rear cargo area but can secure it for rain and out of sight.

 

[MDH33]

We had a little speed bump acquiring the bows , but should have them this week. We have 82cruiser's original fabric to use as a template , and our plan is to install the bows on a '74 , original factory soft top FJ40 this weekend .

So , if all goes according to plan , softtopguy will start making the first fabric top this weekend !

.

So, what are your thoughts on the bows? That's the real trick.

You mention making the first fabric top, which is great for those of us who already have bows.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Sounding good so far...can wait to see/hear more.

You get in touch with Fox? I think he was talking about making bows. Also, just in case Fox's guy gives him a hard time, (always good to have a back up to help fox) can you do a 25 versions as well?

 

[highlandcruzer]

So, what are your thoughts on the bows? That's the real trick.

You mention making the first fabric top, which is great for those of us who already have bows.

I'm not one to count chickens before they hatch.

Softtop hasn't put his hands on them yet.........We'll see how things go over the next week or so.

He's mentioned some alternative door frame design possibilities as well. I'm excited to see what he has in mind. He's a pretty clever guy. I'll also be lending a hand , and ideas , for what that's worth. ;p

There could be several options as far as bow production goes . We've been contacted , and have been corresponding with some parts manufacturers , and suppliers.........We'll see where that takes us....

Naturally , we'll go the most efficient , cost effective , and consumer-desirable route...............Could be that the bows aren't cost effective for us to produce. It's too early to say......We'll see.

I do believe that there could soon be a U.S. bow and fabric distributor/supplier , in the not-too-distant future.

* My main goal is to see that happen........whoever can accomplish it.

I'd love to see softtopguy successful ,and I'll do anything that I can to help him succeed. It's lookin' good so far !